hens and chicks

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum hybrid cvs.) should be watered when the soil is dry, but not too much as overwatering can cause the plant to suffocate. During summer months, when the weather is hot and dry, it's best to water it every 3 to 4 days; providing the soil is dry. During colder months, it's best to water it every 1 to 2 weeks; providing the soil is dry. When watering your Hens and Chicks, make sure to apply 1 to 2 inches of water and evenly saturate the root zone. If in doubt on whether or not the soil is dry, simply check with your finger before adding water.

Hens and Chicks (Sempervivum (hybrid cvs.)) require an abundant amount of sunlight, preferably 5 to 6 hours per day. The ideal time for this is in the early morning and late afternoon. If the plants are in direct sunlight for more than 5 to 6 hours per day, they may become dormant due to heat stress, causing them to lose colors and growth. If they receive less sunlight than this, the growth will become slow and the foliage may begin to lose its vibrant colors. Furthermore, too little sunlight can cause the leaves to become stretched and thin.

Hens and chicks can be pruned throughout the growing season when needed for maintenance. Pruning should be done when the plant is actively growing, in the spring or early summer, and some light pruning can be done in late summer or fall. It is best to prune away any dead, wilted, or damaged foliage and allow the healthy foliage to remain. If there is rampant growth, cutting back some of the foliage to a desired size can help control the look of the plant. It is also beneficial to remove any dead or empty flowerheads during the season as needed.